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M7 Priest


105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M7 | 105mm Self Propelled Gun Priest


Overview


M7 Priest

M7 Priest on static display in a museum in Brussels.
Source: Jean-Pol Grandmont - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Origin
United States
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Entered service
1942
Status
Obsolete
Development
1941 - 1942
Developer
United States
Production
1942 - 1945?
Producer
United States
Number produced
3.490 M7
826 M7B1
Designations
HMC M7 (US service)
Priest (UK service)
Notable users
United States
United Kingdom

Description


Introduction

The M7 Priest is a tracked 105mm self-propelled howitzer of US origin. It was developed during the early stages of World War 2 and was produced from Februari 1942 onward. The present day use of the name M7 Priest is actually incorrect. In US service it was called the "105mm Howitzer Motor Carriage M7" and in UK service the "105mm Self Propelled Gun Priest".

Design

The M7 Priest is based on the chassis of the M3 Lee tank. Later on the M4A3 Sherman chassis was used. The gun is mounted facing forward and has a limited traverse. The raised steel superstructure gives the crew some protection.

Firepower

The M7 Priest is fitted with the same ordnance as the towed 105mm M2A1 howitzer, which was later renamed M101. A total of 69 projectiles are carried. The maximum range is just over 11 km. A M2HB heavy machine gun is fitted in a drum type cupola for self-defense.

Protection

The M7 Priest has an open roof and the sides do not fully cover the crew. This makes the crew vulnerable. The steel armor protects the crew to some degree against small arms fire and shell splinters.

Mobility

The tracked chassis gives the M7 Priest a good cross country performance, although the average speed is limited. A Continental 340 hp or 400 hp gas engine provides propulsion.

Users

The M7 Priest was widely used by US forces in World War 2 and Korea. It was also used by the British and some commonwealth forces. After World War 2 the M7 Priest was exported to various US allies during the early Cold War era. For several decades the M7 Priest is no longer in active use and very few remain in storage.

Variants


M7 Priest

Former Israeli M7 Priest on display in a museum.
Source: Bukvoed - © GNU Attribution Share Alike license

Variants of the M7 Priest

M7
First and most numerous production variant. Based on the chassis of the M3 medium tank with 340 hp or 400 hp engine. A total of 3.490 produced.
M7B1
Late production model based on the M4A3 Sherman chassis. Fitted with more powerful 400 hp engine. A total of 826 produced.
M7B2
Modification of existing vehicles with increased main gun elevation for use in the Korean war.

Details


Facts M7 Priest M7B1 Priest
General
Origin
United States
Type
Self-propelled howitzer
Crew
7 (commander, driver, gunner, 4 loaders)
Dimensions
Weight
23.0 t combat load
Length
6.02 m
Width
2.87 m
Height
2.95 m including M2HB
Main armament
Type
105mm M2A1 howitzer
Ammunition
69 rounds
Elevation
-5 to +35°, manual
Traverse
-15 to +30°, manual
Secondary armament
Type
12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun
Mount
Ring mount in cupola
Ammunition
300 rounds, 100 ready to fire
Traverse
Manual traverse and elevation
Chassis
Chassis type
Tracked chassis, 6 roadwheels
Layout
Drive sprocket front, idler rear
Suspension
Vertical volute spring
Track width
0.42 m
Track on ground
3.73 m
Ground pressure
0.73 kg/cm²
Tread
2.11 m
Automotive
Engine model
Continental R975 C1 or C4
Engine type
Gasoline
Power output
340 hp at 2.400 rpm for C1
400 hp at 2.400 rpm for C4
Transmission
Synchromesh, 5 forward, 1 reverse
Fuel
662 L
Mobility
Speed
39 km/h dash
34 km/h sustained
Range
190 km on road
Turn radius
19 m
Power to weight ratio
14.8 hp/t for C1 engine
17.4 hp/t for C4 engine
Obstacle crossing
Ground clearance
0.43 m
Wall
0.6 m
Trench
2.3 m
Gradient
60 %
Fording
1.0 m
Protection
Armor type
Steel
Armor thickness
Up to 13 mm
Open roof
NBC system
No
Smoke system
No

Media


Related articles


105mm M101

The M7 Priest is armed with a 105mm howitzer derived from the towed M2A1, which was redesignated as the M101.

Browning M2HB

For self-defense against infantry and aircraft a 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine gun is fitted in a cupola.

Sexton

The Canadian Sexton fulfills a similar role as the M7 Priest and is also derived from the M3 Lee and M4 Sherman chassis. The Sexton is armed with the smaller QF-25 pounder gun-howitzer.